Lloyds Bank is shrinking hundreds of UK branches which are to be staffed by just 2 people

A man uses an ATM outside a branch of Lloyds Bank in London.REUTERS/Andrew Winning/FilesLONDON — Lloyds Bank intends to shrink hundreds of its UK branches due to growing numbers of customers using online banking, the company said in a statement on Monday.

Its new "micro-branches" will have no counters and just two staff carrying mobile tablets, who will help customers use in-store machines, such as pay-in devices.

The new "micro" format will use much less space than existing branches, in some cases as little as 1,000 square feet.

The bank said the reason for the move was a "profound change in customer behaviour" which has seen growing numbers of transactions move online.

Some of the branches being converted will be Halifax and Bank of Scotland branches.

A spokesperson for the bank said in a statement: "Branches are a vital part of our strategy, and we're investing in our network to make sure it's right for the future. We're transforming branches, responding to customers and giving them choice, including new flagship branches in city centre locations, and introducing some smaller micro-formats alongside our community and mobile branches." In 2014, Lloyds announced a separate plan to close 400 branches over three years, with the loss of 9,000 jobs. It will have 1,950 left in the UK by the end of 2017.